Cushioned support system for heel ulcer prevention

ABSTRACT

A cushioned support device includes a pad for supporting a portion of a patient&#39;s leg, a securing system coupled to the pad and configured to secure the portion of the patient&#39;s leg to the pad, and a connecting member coupled to the pad and configured to couple the cushioned support device to a second cushioned support device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/429,429, filed Dec. 2, 2016 and U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/525,516, filed Jun. 27, 2017, eachof which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Cushioned calf supports have been developed for protecting the anatomyof a patient who is bedridden. The devices are configured to providelimb support and comfort, and in particular, to limit contact andpressure of a patient's heel resting on the bed, which may causediscomfort or injury (e.g., pressure ulcers) for a patient who mustremain bedridden for an extended period of time.

The embodiments of the present disclosure seek to overcome drawbacks ofexisting devices, systems, and methods for protecting a patient's heelwhile bedridden, and to provide new features not heretofore available.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To understand the present disclosure, it will now be described by way ofexample, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a cushioned foot and calf support,according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the cushioned foot and calfsupport of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a second top perspective view of the cushioned foot and calfsupport of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the cushioned foot and calf supportof FIG. 1 attached to a table, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of two connected cushioned foot andcalf supports, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a knee support pillow, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of a cushioned calf support, accordingto an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the cushioned calf support of FIG.7, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of two connected calf supports,according to an exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the two connected calf supportsof FIG. 9, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a cushioned calf support, accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the cushioned calf support of FIG.11, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of two connected calf supports,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of the two connected calf supportsof FIG. 13, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of the two calf supports of FIG. 13and a knee support pillow, according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A cushioned support device, such as a cushioned foot and/or calfsupport, may be used to support a bedridden a patient who may, forexample, be unconscious or still. The cushioned support device includesmultiple cushioned pads configured for positioning and supporting a footand/or calf of a patient to minimize contact of the heel with a supportsurface. The disclosure is also directed to systems or kits includingone or more of such devices. Various embodiments are described below.

Referring to FIG. 1, a top perspective view of a cushioned foot and calfsupport 100 is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown inFIG. 1, the foot and calf support 100 is formed having a top pad 102, acalf pad 104, and a foot pad 106. The top pad 102, the calf pad 104, andthe foot pad 106 are arranged such that the calf pad 104 is positionedadjacent to the foot pad 106 and that the top pad 102 is positionedextending across the top of the calf pad 104 and the foot pad 106. Whilethe top pad 102, calf pad 104, and foot pad 106 are described herein asthree separate pads, it should be understood that more or fewer pads maybe used to form a foot and calf support. Further, while the top pad 102,calf pad 104, and foot pad 106 are each described as a single component,multiple pads may be used to form top pad 102, calf pad 104, and/or footpad 106.

As shown in FIG. 1, outer edges of the top pad 102 form a rectangular oroblong shape, though in other embodiments, the outer edges of the toppad 102 may form a different shape such an elliptical shape, or the toppad 102 may be cylindrical. The top pad 102 includes a top surface 102 aand a bottom surface 102 b (shown in FIG. 3) opposite from the topsurface 102 a. The top pad 102 also includes a first end 102 c and asecond end 102 d formed where the top surface 102 a meets the bottomsurface 102 b, with the first end 102 c opposite from the second end 102d. In some embodiments, the top pad 102 is created by stitching the topsurface 102 a and the bottom surface 102 b together and insertingfilling material (e.g., poly-fill) between the top surface 102 a and thebottom surface 102 b before the top surface 102 a and the bottom surface102 b are completely stitched together. In other embodiments, the topsurface 102 a and the bottom surface 102 b are formed as a single tubeof material and are filled with filling material such that there is onlystitching at the first end 102 c or the second end 102 d. In otherembodiments the pads may be formed by some other method using anothermaterial such as molded or formed foam.

As further shown in FIG. 1, the top surface 102 a includes a fasteningstrip 108. The fastening strip 108 may be constructed from amechanical-based fastening product (e.g., part of a fabric hook-and-loopfastener), an adhesive product, and so on. Additionally, an adjustmentstrap 110 is secured to the top surface 102 a (e.g., by stitching, by anadhesive, etc.) at a fastened end 110 a. The adjustment strap 110 alsoincludes a securing end 110 b that is removably or temporarily coupledto the top surface 102 a via the fastening strip 108. For example, thefastening strip 108 may be made of a fabric hook fastener material, andthe bottom of the securing end 110 b may include a fabric loop fastenermaterial that removably attaches to the fastening strip 108 (e.g., shownas the darker section of the adjustment strap 110 in FIG. 3), or viceversa. In other embodiments, however, the adjustment strap 110 may beconfigured differently or may attach to the top pad 102 differently. Asan example, the top pad 102 may not include the fastening strip 108.Instead, the securing end 110 b may be removably or temporarily coupledto the fastened end 110 a (e.g., because the securing end 110 b includesa fabric hook fastener material and the fastened end 110 a includes afabric loop fastener material, or vice versa). The adjustment strap 110is discussed in further detail below with reference to FIG. 3.

Outer edges of the calf pad 104 form a rectangular or oblong shape,though in other embodiments, the outer edges of the calf pad 104 mayform a different shape such an elliptical shape, or the calf pad 104 maybe cylindrical. As shown in FIG. 1, and in FIG. 2, which illustrates abottom perspective view of the support 100, the calf pad 104 includes atop surface 104 a and a bottom surface 104 b opposite from the topsurface 104 a. The calf pad 104 further includes a proximal end 104 c, adistal end 104 d, a first side 104 e, and a second side 104 f formedwhere the top surface 104 a meets the bottom surface 104 b, with theproximal end 104 c opposite the distal end 104 d and the first side 104e opposite the second side 104 f.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, outer edges of the foot pad 106 form arectangular or oblong shape, though in other embodiments, the outeredges of the foot pad 106 may form a different shape such an ellipticalshape, or the foot pad 106 may be cylindrical. The foot pad 106 includesa top surface 106 a and a bottom surface 106 b opposite from the topsurface 106 a. The foot pad 106 further includes a proximal end 106 c, adistal end 106 d, a first side 106 e, and a second side 106 f formedwhere the top surface 106 a meets the bottom surface 106 b. The proximalend 106 c is opposite from the distal end 106 d, and the first side 106e is opposite from the second side 106 f. In various embodiments, thecalf pad 104 and the foot pad 106 may be constructed similarly to thetop pad 102, as described above.

As shown in FIG. 2, the calf pad 104 and the foot pad 106 are coupledtogether (e.g., sewn together, adhered together, etc.) at the distal end104 d of the calf pad 104 and the proximal end 106 c of the foot pad106. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, only the rightmost andleftmost portions of the distal end 104 d and the proximal end 106 c arecoupled together such that a heel gap 112 exists between the calf pad104 and the foot pad 106. The heel gap 112 provides a place toaccommodate the heel of the patient's foot 200 (e.g., as shown in FIGS.2 and 5). However, in other embodiments, the distal end 104 d of thecalf pad 104 and the proximal end 106 c of the foot pad 106 may becompletely coupled together such that no space exists between the distalend 104 d and the proximal end 106 c (e.g., the distal end 104 d and theproximal end 106 c may be completely sewn together).

Referring back to FIG. 1, the second end 102 d of the top pad 102 iscoupled (e.g., sewn to, adhered to, etc.) to the second side 104 f ofthe calf pad 104 and/or the second side 106 f of the foot pad 106. Inone embodiment, the calf pad 104 includes a flap of material that foldsaround the second end 102 d of the top pad 102 and is sewn onto thesecond end 102 d of the top pad 102 to secure the top pad 102 to thecalf pad 104. However, in other embodiments, the second end 102 d of thetop pad 102 may be coupled to the calf pad 104 or the foot pad 106differently. For example, in various embodiments, the second end 102 dof the top pad 102 may be sewn into the second side 106 f of the footpad 106 or sewn such that the second end 102 d of the top pad 102overlaps the junction between the calf pad 104 and the foot pad 106.Alternatively, a strip of fabric may connect the second end 102 d of thetop pad 102 to the second side 104 f of the calf pad 104 or the secondside 106 f of the foot pad 106.

The first end 102 c of the top pad 102 is coupled to the first side 104e of the calf pad 104 and/or the first side 106 e of the foot pad 106via the adjustment strap 110. As shown in FIG. 1 and more particularlyin FIG. 2, the calf pad 104 includes a connecting strap 114 (e.g., nearthe junction between the distal end 104 d of the calf pad 104 and theproximal end 106 c of the foot pad 106). The connecting strap 114 holdsan adjustment hook 116, which includes one or more rings that variousstraps can loop around or weave through. In various embodiments, theadjustment hook 116 may be a plastic ring, a metal ring, and so on. FIG.3 illustrates a second top perspective view of the foot and calf support100. As shown in FIG. 3, the connecting strap 114 forms a fabric loopthat encircles a ring of the adjustment hook 116, thereby connecting theconnecting strap 114 to the adjustment hook 116. However, in otherembodiments, the connecting strap 114 may not include an adjustment hookand may, for example, instead be sewn around on itself to form a loop.As further shown in FIG. 3, the adjustment strap 110 is configured tothread through the adjustment hook 116, thereby connecting the top pad102 to the calf pad 104 and the foot pad 106.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the top pad 102, calf pad 104, and foot pad106 together form a space 118 in which a patient's foot 200 and ankle202 may be placed. When placed in the space 118, the sole of thepatient's foot 200 rests on the top surface 106 a of the foot pad. Inembodiments including the heel gap 112, the heel gap 112 accommodatesthe heel of the patient's foot 200, as shown in FIG. 2. Further, thepatient's calf 204 rests on the top surface 104 a of the calf pad 104.For example, the patient's calf 204 may rest on a different section ofthe calf pad 104, which may be made of a slightly deformable material(e.g., spandex) configured to conform to the patient's calf 204. The toppad 102 then rests on top of the patient's foot 200 and ankle 202 areato secure the patient's foot 200 into the foot and calf support 100.This configuration of the foot and calf support 100 is beneficial topatients because the foot pad 106 and the calf pad 104 cushion thepatient's ankle 202, but the calf pad 104 prevents too much pressurefrom being placed on the patient's Achilles tendon by moving most of thepressure from the patient's Achilles tendon to the patient's calf 204.For example, the calf pad 104 is configured to allow a maximum of about4,300 N/m² or about 32 mmHG of pressure on the heel or the Achillestendon. Further, a patient wearing the foot and calf support 100 canstill bend his or her knee and lift his or her heel.

Additionally, because the adjustment strap 110 is removably ortemporarily coupled to the top pad 102 via the securing end 110 b, theposition of the top pad 102 and thus the size of the space 118 may beadjusted to fit the patient's foot 200. In various embodiments, toinsert a patient's foot 200 into the space 118 and adjust the fit of thetop pad 102 to fit the patient's foot 200, the securing end 110 b of theadjustment strap 110 is first removed from the fastening strip 108. Forexample, the securing end 110 b is pulled away from the fastening strip108 until a first portion of a hook and loop fastener material on thesecuring end 110 b separates from the complimentary portion of hook andloop fastener material on the fastening strip 108. The adjustment strap110 is then slid through the adjustment hook 116 to increase the size ofthe space 118, as illustrated in FIG. 3. Once the patient's foot 200,ankle 202, and calf 204 are positioned as desired onto the calf pad 104and the foot pad 106, the adjustment strap 110 is pulled through theadjustment hook 116 until the top pad 102 fits snugly on the patient'sfoot 200 and ankle 202 regions. The securing end 110 b of the adjustmentstrap 110 is then attached to the fastening strip 108 to secure the toppad 102 in the desired position. For example, the securing end 110 b isplaced onto the fastening strip 108 to refasten the first portion of ahook and loop fastener material on the securing end 110 b to thecomplimentary portion of a hook and loop fastener material of thefastening strip 108. The adjustability of the top pad 102 allows thesupport 100 to be easily fitted on a patient and allows the patient, forexample, to keep slipper socks or a sequential compression device(“SCD”) on while wearing the support 100.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the securing end 110 b of the adjustmentstrap 110 includes a fold 120 (e.g. a fold sewn into the adjustmentstrap 110). The fold 120 is configured to “catch” on the adjustment hook116 and thereby prevent the adjustment strap 110 from beinginadvertently pulled through the adjustment hook 116. As such, the fold120 ensures that the top pad 102 cannot be uncoupled from the calf pad104 and the foot pad 106. Accordingly, the adjustment strap 110 may bepulled and adjusted without the possibility of the adjustment strap 110sliding completely through the adjustment hook 116 and having to berethreaded through the adjustment hook 116. Thus, the support 100 may bepulled on the patient's foot 200 and calf 204 like a sock and easilyreadjusted to fit to the patient's foot 200 and ankle 202 area. Further,in various embodiments, the top pad 102 includes a securing flap 122, asshown in FIG. 3. The securing flap 122 further helps conform the top pad102 to the patient's foot 200 and ankle 20 in the support 100 and securethe patient's foot 200 and ankle 202 within the space 118.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the foot pad 106 also includes one or moreanti-roll stitches 124. The anti-roll stitches 124 in the foot pad 106flatten the foot pad 106 such that, when a patient's foot 200 isinserted into the space 118, the patient can stand on the foot pad 106and even contact the floor or a foot stand through the foot pad 106.Additionally, the anti-roll stitches 124 prevent the foot pad 106 fromrolling to one side when pressure is placed on the foot pad 106. Forexample, if a surgery requires that an operating table be tilteddownwards such that patient must stand on a foot support (e.g., asurgery being conducted in a reverse Trendelenburg position), thepatient can do so even with the foot and calf support 100 fitted aroundthe patient's foot 200 because the anti-roll stitches 124 allow thepatient to stand even while wearing the support 100.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, an attachment mechanism 126 is also loopedthrough the adjustment hook 116 or otherwise coupled to the support 100.In the embodiment shown, the attachment mechanism 126 is a strap. Theattachment mechanism 126 is configured to removably couple or secure thefoot and calf support 100 to a fixed object, such as a rail of anoperating room table, to maintain the positioning of the support 100 onthe support surface. The ability to secure the foot and calf support 100to a fixed object may be beneficial, as an example, when the support 100is being used during a surgery and the operating table on which thepatient and the support 100 are resting is tilted. The attachmentmechanism 126 may accordingly secure the support 100 to the operatingroom table such that the patient's leg and foot 200 will not slide whenthe table is moved or tilted.

Referring to FIG. 4, a top perspective view of the foot and calf support100 secured to a rail 302 of an operating room table 300 is shown. Asshown in FIG. 4, the attachment mechanism 126, shown as a strap,includes an outside surface 126 a and an inside surface 126 b. Theinside surface 126 b includes coordinating portions of a fabrichook-and-loop fastener material, such that the inside surface 126 bfastens on itself and the strap forms a loop. Thus, to secure theattachment mechanism 126 to the fixed object, such as the rail 302, thehook-and-loop fastener of the inside surface 126 b is detached to unloopthe strap. The strap is then looped around the fixed object, and thehook-and-loop fastener of the inside surface 126 b is reattached tore-secure the strap into a loop. In some embodiments, other securingmechanisms can be used to allow the attachment mechanism 126 to securethe support 100 to a fixed object, including adhesives, snap buttons,zippers, toggles, and the like. Additionally, in some embodiments theattachment mechanism 126 may not be secured to the adjustment hook 116.For example, one end of the attachment mechanism 126 may be secured tothe bottom surface 104 b of the calf pad 104, and the free end of theattachment mechanism 126 may loop around the fixed object and attach tothe secured end of the attachment mechanism 126 to affix the support 100to the fixed object.

Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, the second side 104 f of the calfpad 104 includes a connecting member 128, shown as a strap, with a firstportion of an attachment mechanism, such as a buckle clip 130. Invarious embodiments, the first portion of the buckle clip 130coordinates with a second portion of a buckle clip on a second foot andcalf support. The first portion of the buckle clip 130 shown in FIGS.1-3 is a male half, configured to be inserted into a female secondportion, though the first portion of the buckle clip 130 mayalternatively be a female half and the second portion a male portion.Thus, via the coordinating portions of the buckle clip 130, the support100 can be buckled to a second support, and two foot and calf supportscan be temporarily coupled together. Coupling two supports together maybe beneficial because, when coupled, the legs of a patient with a foot200 secured within each of the coupled supports cannot be inadvertentlyspread apart. Coupled supports may also prevent the legs of a patientfrom falling off of the sides of a bed or operating room table. In someembodiments, the foot and calf support 100 may be packaged with orotherwise provided with a second foot and calf support that is similar,the same, or a mirror image of the support 100 (e.g., as shown in FIG.5).

In other embodiments, another mechanism for coupling two foot and calfsupports 100 together may be substituted for the buckle clip 130. Forexample, two supports 100 may be secured together through ties,hook-and-loop fasteners, snap buttons, zippers, carabiners, and thelike. Furthermore, two supports 100 may be provided in a connectedarrangement, sharing a connecting member between the two. In suchembodiments, the connecting member may be made of a material that isable to be torn, cut, or otherwise released to separate the two supports100. For example, the connecting member may be a piece of flashspunhigh-density polyethylene fibers (such as Tyvek) that can be cut or tornby the healthcare professional after use and when the supports 100 areto be uncoupled. In some such embodiments, the connecting member mayhave a perforated portion to assist with the release of the connectingmember.

Additionally, the coupling mechanism may be provided on a differentportion of the foot and calf support 100. FIG. 5 illustrates a bottomperspective view of two foot and calf supports 100 coupled together andsecuring both of a patient's feet 200, according to an exemplaryembodiment. FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of the connecting member128 and the first portion of the buckle clip 130, where the strapforming the connecting member 128 is configured to wrap around thebottom surface 104 b of the calf pad 104. The coordinating portions ofthe buckle clip 130 for the two supports 100 thus buckle underneath thesupports 100 to couple the supports 100 together. Further, onecombination of a connecting member 128 and first portion of the buckleclip 130 is configured such that the connecting member 128 is adjustable(e.g., shown as the right strap and female portion of the buckle clip130 in FIG. 5). In other words, the connecting member 128 may be pulledto shorten the distance between the supports 100 or let out to increasethe distance between the supports 100. In various embodiments, onceconnected together, the connecting members 128 may be releasable (e.g.,by unlocking the buckle clip portions 130). The fact that the connectingmembers 128 may be releasable may be beneficial for practitioners, asthe patient may need to be checked on less often when the connectingmember 128 are in a released state (e.g., because the connecting members128 connected together are considered a “restraint” on the patient,which may require that the patient be checked on every fifteen minutes).

Further, in various embodiments, two foot and calf supports 100 may beprovided as a kit. For example, the kit may include a first support 100and a second support 100 that may generally be a mirror image of thefirst support 100 (e.g., with the exception that the two supports mayhave slightly different connecting member 128 and buckle clip 130combinations), as shown in FIG. 5. Providing two mirror image supports100 as a kit may be beneficial for practitioners, as it may allow themto easily provide supports 100 for both legs of a patient undergoingsurgery, where each support is configured to attach to the other (e.g.,as shown in FIG. 5) and/or to the operating table (e.g., by theattachment mechanism 126).

In various embodiments, the top pad 102, calf pad 104, and foot pad 106are filled with a material that provides substantially sturdy supportbut allows deformation of the top pad 102, calf pad 104, and foot pad106 when a force is applied. The filling material allows the top pad102, calf pad 104, and foot pad 106 to retain their original shapes whenthe force is released. For example, in one embodiment, the top pad 102,calf pad 104, and foot pad 106 are filled with staple fibers (e.g.,polyester staple fibers). In another embodiment, the top pad 102, calfpad 104, and foot pad 106 are filled with cluster fibers (e.g., staplefibers that have been formed into spring-like shapes). In still anotherembodiment the top pad 102, calf pad 104, and foot pad 106 may be filledwith, or be constructed out of foam. In yet another embodiment, the toppad 102, calf pad 104, and foot pad 106 may be filled with a non-fiberor foam material, such as air or a gel.

In various embodiments, the surfaces of the top pad 102, calf pad 104,and foot pad 106 are constructed of various materials designed toprovide high or low friction when interacting with adjacent surfaces. Inone embodiment, the top surface 106 a of the foot pad 106 is made of agrip material intended to result in a high friction interaction (i.e., a“high-friction material”), such that a patient's foot 200 is not easilyshifted once placed on the foot pad 106. The bottom surface 106 b of thefoot pad 106 and the bottom surface 104 b of the calf pad 104 are madeof a second high friction, grip material. The second grip material,however, may result somewhat lower friction than the first grip materialused on the top surface 106 a of the foot pad 106 such that the secondgrip material prevents the calf pad 104 and foot pad 106 from beingeasily shifted once set in place but still allows for adjustments to thepositioning of the calf and foot support 100 as needed. For example, thefirst and second grip materials may be formed of a polyester and/or anylon (polyamide), such as a rip-stop nylon material (e.g. a nylonmaterial that is woven so that a tear will not spread) or a coated nylontaffeta material that is liquid repellant and/or impermeable and haslittle to no air permeability while being permeable to moisture vapor.

By contrast, a center portion (e.g., an approximately 10 cm centerstrip, shown in FIG. 1 as the center portion 105 of the top surface 104a of the calf pad 104) of the top surface 104 a of the calf pad 104 maybe made of a material that results in a low friction interaction withadjacent surfaces (i.e., a “low-friction material”), slightly deformablematerial such as spandex. The low-friction material allows the patient'sfoot 200, ankle 202, and calf 204 to be easily slid into place on thefoot and calf support 100. Additionally, the low-friction, slightlydeformable material conforms to the patient's calf 204 and ankle 202 tokeep the patient's leg centered and cradled on the calf pad 104 and inthe foot and calf support 100. In this way, the center portion 105creates a cradle and hammock for better distribution of pressure on thepatient's calf 204 and ankle 202. The rest of the top surface 104 a ofthe calf pad 104 may be made of a rip-stop material. Further, the toppad 102, may be made of a low-friction, breathable material to allow thetop pad 102 to be easily positioned on top of the patient's foot 200 andprevent the patient's foot 200 and calf 204 from becoming uncomfortabledue to breathability issues.

In other embodiments, the top pad 102, calf pad 104, and foot pad 106may be made of more, fewer, or different materials. For example, incertain embodiments, the top pad 102, calf pad 104, and foot pad 106(aside from the center portion 105) may be made of a non-woven materialto highlight to disposability of the support 100 (e.g., to encourage asingle use, rather than multiple uses, of the support 100). As anotherexample, the top pad 102, calf pad 104, and foot pad 106 may all be madeof the same nylon material. As yet another example, the top pad 102,calf pad 104, and foot pad 106 may all be made of the same material, butportions of the surfaces of top pad 102, calf pad 104, and/or foot pad106 may be treated to include one or more textures, coatings, additives,and/or other elements that increase or decrease the friction propertiesof the treated surfaces. Further, as will be appreciated, some or all ofthe materials used in the foot and calf support 100 may have rip-stopproperties and may have suitable structural strength and stability toform the support 100. The materials may also be treated with a waterrepellant, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and may below-linting fabrics.

In various embodiments, the foot and calf support 100 is used inconjunction with a knee support pillow 400. FIG. 6 is a perspective viewof the knee support pillow in use, according to an exemplary embodiment.The knee support pillow 400 is sized and shaped to fit under both knees206 of a patient such that the knees 206 maintain a slight bend.Conversely, in some embodiments, the knee support pillow 400 is sizedand shaped to fit under a single knee 206 of the patient. Accordingly,the knee support pillow 400 or knee support pillows 400 are configuredto prevent hyperextension of the patient's knees 206 and keep the knees206 bent (e.g., a minimum of 5-10°) to ensure circulation. One or moreknee support pillows 400 may also be provided in a kit with one or morefoot and calf supports 100.

Referring to FIG. 7, a perspective view of a cushioned calf support 500is shown, according to another exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7,the calf support 500 is formed of a single calf pad 502. However, itwill be appreciated that while the calf pad 502 is described herein as asingle component, multiple pads may be used to form the pad 502. Asshown in FIG. 7, outer edges of the calf pad 502 form a rectangular oroblong shape, though in other embodiments, the outer edges of the calfpad 502 may form a different shape such an elliptical shape, or the calfpad 502 may be cylindrical. The calf pad 502 includes a top surface 502a and a bottom surface 502 b (shown in FIG. 10) opposite from the topsurface 502 a. The calf pad 502 also includes proximal end 502 c, adistal end 502 d, a first side 502 e, and a second side 502 f formedwhere the top surface 502 a meets the bottom surface 502 b, with theproximal end 502 c opposite the distal end 502 d and the first side 502e opposite the second side 502 f. In various embodiments, the calf pad502 is created similarly to the top pad 102, as described above.

As further shown in FIG. 7, the support 500 includes a leg wrap 504having a first flap 506 and a second flap 508. The first flap 506includes an outer surface 506 a, and the second flap 508 includes anouter surface 508 a. The first flap 506 also includes an inside surface506 b, and the second flap 508 includes an inside surface 508 b, asillustrated in FIG. 8, which shows a top perspective view of the legwrap 504 in an unfastened state. As shown in FIG. 7, the outer surface508 a of the second flap 508 includes, or is made of, a fasteningmaterial such as a fabric loop material. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 8,the inside surface 506 b of the first flap 506 includes a fasteningstrip 510 configured to removably fasten to the fastening material ofthe outer surface 508 a of the second flap 508. For example, thefastening strip 510 may be made of a fabric hook material that removablyattaches to the fabric loop material on the outer surface 508 a, or viceversa.

In this way, the leg wrap 504 may be unfastened, as shown in FIG. 8, toallow a patient's calf 204 to be placed on the calf pad 502. Referringback to FIG. 7, when the patient's calf 204 is placed in the cushionedcalf support 500, the patient's calf 204 rests on the top surface 502 aof the calf pad. For example, the patient's calf 204 may rest on acenter portion 505 of the calf pad 502 made of a slightly deformablematerial (e.g., spandex) configured to conform to the patient's calf204. The second flap 508 and the first flap 506 of the leg wrap 504 maythen be wrapped over the patient's leg and fastened together to securethe patient's calf 204 into the support 500. Additionally, because thefirst flap 506 is configured to removably attach to the second flap 508,the leg wrap 504 may be adjusted to accommodate varying sizes of patientcalves 204 by adjusting the placement of the fastening strip 510 on theouter surface 508 a of the second flap 508. Furthermore, because the legwrap 504 is adjustable, the leg wrap 504 may be used for a patientwearing a sequential compression device (SCD) or other compressiondevice.

In other embodiments, the calf support 500 may instead include adifferent securing system configured to secure a portion of a patient'sleg to the calf pad 502. For example, the support 500 may include a toppad and/or a foot pad, similar to the top pad 102 and the foot pad 106described above with reference to FIGS. 1-3, configured to secure theportion of the patient's leg to the calf pad 502. As another example,the support 500 may instead include an expandable sleeve attached to thecalf pad 502 that stretches to accommodate the portion of the patient'sleg and secure the portion of the patient's leg to the calf pad 502.

In various embodiments, the calf pad 502 includes an attachmentmechanism similar to the attachment mechanism 126 discussed above withrespect to FIGS. 1-4. Additionally, in various embodiments, the calf pad502 includes a connecting member 512 with a first portion of a buckleclip 514, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. As such, similar to the connectingmember 128 and first portion of the buckle clip 130 discussed above withreference to FIGS. 1-5, the connecting member 512, shown as a strap, maybe attached to a second connecting member via the first portion of thebuckle clip 514 engaging with a second portion of a buckle clip. In thisway, the support 500 can be buckled to a second support, and two calfsupports can thereby be temporarily coupled together. FIG. 9 illustratesa top perspective view of two supports 500 buckled together in thismanner. FIG. 10 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the twosupports 500 buckled together. As shown in FIG. 10, in some embodiments,the connecting member 512 may be configured similarly to the connectingmember 128 such that the connecting member 512 is configured to wraparound the bottom surface 502 b of the calf pad 502. In suchembodiments, the portions of the buckle clip 514 for the two supports500 buckle underneath or between the supports 500 to couple the supports500 together.

Further, in various embodiments, at least one of the combination of theconnecting member 512 and first portion of the buckle clip 514 isconfigured such that the connecting member 512 is adjustable (e.g.,shown as the left connecting member 512 and female portion of the buckleclip 514 in FIG. 10). In other words, the connecting member 512 may bepulled to shorten the distance between the supports 500 or let out toincrease the distance between the supports 500. Additionally, the calfsupport 500 with the adjustable connecting member 512 may include astrap loop 516 for maintaining the excess connecting member 512 inplace. In various embodiments, once connected together, the connectingmembers 512 may be releasable (e.g., by unlocking the buckle clips 514).

In some embodiments, two supports 500 may be secured together usingconnecting members having other releasable coupling mechanisms, such asthrough ties, hook-and-loop fasteners, snap buttons, zippers,carabiners, and the like. Furthermore, two supports 500 may be providedin a connected arrangement, sharing a connecting member between the two.In such embodiments, the connecting member may be made of a materialthat is able to be torn, cut, or otherwise released to separate the twosupports 500. For example, the connecting member may be a piece offlashspun high-density polyethylene fibers (such as Tyvek) that can becut or torn by the healthcare professional after use and when thesupports 500 are to be uncoupled. In some such embodiments, theconnecting member may have a perforated portion to assist with therelease of the connecting member.

In various embodiments, similar to the foot and calf support 100, twosupports 500 may be provided as a kit, for example, with a first support500 and a second support 500 that is generally a mirror image of thefirst support 500. As an example, the calf supports 500 shown in FIGS. 9and 10 may be provided in a kit. Additionally, the calf supports 500 maybe used in conjunction with one or more knee support pillows, asdiscussed above with respect to FIG. 6, and may further be provided in akit with one or more knee support pillows.

In various embodiments, the pad 502 may be filled similarly to the toppad 102, calf pad 104, and foot pad 106 discussed above. In otherembodiments, the pad 502 may be formed by some other method usinganother material such as molded or formed foam. The pad 502 may also beconstructed of similar materials as discussed with respect to the toppad 102, calf pad 104, and foot pad 106. For example, the top surface502 a of the calf pad 502 may include a center portion (e.g., shown inFIGS. 8 and 9 as the center portion 505 of the top surface 502 a of thecalf pad 502) made of a low-friction, slightly deformable material suchas spandex. The rest of the top surface 502 a of the calf pad 502 may bemade of a rip-stop material (e.g. a nylon material that is woven so thata tear will not spread), while the bottom surface 502 b of the calf pad502 may be made of a high-friction grip material to prevent the calf pad502 from sliding. As another example, the rest of the top surface 502 aand/or the bottom surface 502 b of the calf pad 502 may be made of anon-woven material to highlight the disposability of the calf pad 502(e.g., to encourage a single use, rather than multiple uses, of thesupport 500).

Referring to FIG. 11, a top perspective view of a cushioned calf support600 is shown, according to another exemplary embodiment. As shown inFIG. 11, outer edges of the calf pad 602 form a rectangular or oblongshape, though in other embodiments, the outer edges of the calf pad 602may form a different shape such as an elliptical shape or the calf pad602 may be cylindrical. The calf pad 602 includes a top surface 602 aand a bottom surface 602 b (shown in FIG. 12) opposite from the topsurface 602 a. The calf pad 602 also includes a proximal end 602 c, adistal end 602 d, a first side 602 e, and a second side 602 f formedwhere the top surface 602 a meets the bottom surface 602 b, with theproximal end 602 c opposite the distal end 602 d and the first side 602e opposite the second side 602 f.

Referring to FIG. 12, a cross-sectional view of the cushioned calfsupport 600 taken along a lateral central axis of the support 600 isshown, according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, thecalf support 600 is formed from two pontoons 618 covered by a top pillow622. In various embodiments, the pontoons 618 serve to elevate apatient's leg and foot while preventing settling of the leg and footonto the pad 602 during a procedure. For example, the pontoons 618 mayelevate the patient's leg and foot such that a separation between thepatient's heel and an operating room table is maintained during aprocedure (e.g., a separation large enough to run fingers under thepatient's heel). However, it should be understood that, while in theembodiment of FIG. 12 the pad 602 includes two pontoons 618, in otherembodiments the pad 602 may include more than two pontoons 618.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, in some embodiments, the pad 602 is createdby stitching the bottom surface 602 b to an intermediate surface 624 ata line 616 down the center of the connected bottom surface 602 b andintermediate surface 624 to form the pontoons 618 (e.g., as shown ingreater detail in FIG. 14). Filling material is inserted into thepontoons 618 between the bottom surface 602 b and the intermediatesurface 624. The top surface 602 a is stitched over the intermediatesurface 624, and filling material is inserted between the top surface602 a and the intermediate surface 624 to form the top pillow 622. Whenconstructed in this way, a bottom portion of the pad 602 includespontoons 618 that provide a cradling effect for a foot or leg placed onthe top surface 602 a of the pad 602. The pontoons 618 also elevate thefoot or leg. Preferably, the pontoons 618 elevate the heel enough suchthat a practitioner can see the patient's heel and visually assess thelifting of the heel and foot from a distance. The top pillow 622distributes pressure across the foot or leg substantially evenly suchthat the patient does not experience pressure hot spots on the sides ofthe patient's foot or leg. Additionally, the separately constructedpontoons 618 prevent the filling material from settling when the foot orleg is placed on the top pillow 622. For example, the pad 602, isconfigured to allow a maximum of about 4,300 N/m2 or about 32 mmHG ofpressure on the heel or Achilles tendon.

In other embodiments, the pad 602 may be created in a different manner.For example, the pad 602 may be created similarly to the top pad 102,namely, by stitching the line 616 down the center of the bottom surface602 b and stitching the top surface 102 a and the bottom surface 102 btogether. Filling material (e.g., poly-fill) may then be insertedbetween the top surface 102 a and the bottom surface 102 b before thetop surface 102 a and the bottom surface 102 b are completely stitchedtogether. In other embodiments, the pad 602 may be formed by some othermethod using another material such as molded or formed foam.

Similar to the top pad 102, calf pad 104, and foot pad 106, the pad 602is filled with a material that provides substantially sturdy support butallows deformation of the pad 602 when a force is applied. The fillingmaterial also allows the pad 602 to retain its original shape when theforce is released. Accordingly, in various embodiments, similar to thetop pad 102, calf pad 104, and foot pad 106, the pad 602 is filled withstaple fibers (e.g., polyester staple fibers), cluster fibers (e.g.,polyester cluster fibers), foam, air, gel, or another material thatprovides support but allows for deformation. In some embodiments, thefilling material inserted between the top surface 602 a and theintermediate surface 624 to form the top pillow 622 may be differentfrom the filling material inserted into the pontoons 618. In anembodiment, the top pillow 622 may be filled at a different density fromthe pontoons 618. For example, the pontoons may be filled to a firstdensity, and the top pillow 622 may be filled to a second density thatis less than the first density. Filling the pad 602 in this manner mayallow the pontoons 618 to effectively support the portion of thepatient's leg on the pad 602, with the top pillow 622 cradling theportion of the patient's leg and spreading the support pressure acrossthe portion of the patient's leg due to its lesser filling density.

Referring back to FIG. 11, the pad 602 also includes a leg wrap 604having a first flap 606 and a second flap 608. The first flap 606includes an outer surface 606 a, and the second flap includes an outersurface 608 a, as illustrated in FIG. 13, which shows a top perspectiveview of two pads 602 with leg wraps 604 in fastened states.Additionally, the first flap 606 includes an inside surface 606 b, andthe second flap 608 includes an inside surface 608 b, as illustrated inFIG. 11. In various embodiments, at least the inside surface 608 b ofthe second flap is made of an extendable material configured to conformto a portion of a patient's leg, such as double-layer spandex. Further,as shown in FIG. 13, the outer surface 608 a of the second flap 608includes, or is made of, a fastening material such as a fabric loopmaterial. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 11, the inside surface 606 b ofthe first flap 606 includes a fastening strip 610 configured toremovably fasten to the fastening material of the outer surface 608 a ofthe second flap 608. For example, the fastening strip 610 may be made ofa fabric hook material that removably attaches to the fabric loopmaterial on the outer surface 608 a, or vice versa.

In this way, the leg wrap 604 may function similarly to the leg wrap 504of the calf pad 502. For example, the leg wrap 604 may be unfastened asshown in FIG. 11 to allow a patient's calf to be placed on the calf pad602. The patient's calf may rest on a center portion 605 of the calf pad602 made of a slightly deformable material (e.g., spandex) configured toconform to the patient's calf. The second flap 608 and the first flap606 of the leg wrap 604 may then be folded and fastened together overthe patient's leg to secure the patient's calf into the support 600 andsubsequently adjusted as necessary. In other embodiments, however, thecalf support 600 may instead include a different securing systemconfigured to secure a portion of the patient's leg to the calf pad 602,such as a top pad and/or foot pad similar to the top pad 102 and thefoot pad 106, described above with reference to FIGS. 1-3, or anexpandable sleeve.

Referring to FIG. 13, in various embodiments, the calf pad 602 includesan attachment mechanism 620 similar to the attachment mechanism 126discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1-4. The attachment mechanism 620,shown as a strap, includes an outside surface 620 a and an insidesurface 620 b. The inside surface 620 b includes coordinating portionsof a fabric hook-and-loop fastener material, such that the insidesurface 620 b fastens in on itself and the strap forms a loop. Thus, theattachment mechanism 620 can be secured to a fixed object as describedabove with reference to FIG. 4. In this way, the pad 602 may beconnected to an operating room table (e.g., similarly to the support 100connected to the rail 302 of the operating room table 300 shown in FIG.4), to maintain the position of the calf pad 602 on the support surface,such that the pad 602 can be subjected to tilting of the operating roomtable without sliding off. Additionally, because the pad 602 isconfigured such that the patient's heel is free, the operating roomtable can be tilted to move the patient into a standing position.

Further, in various embodiments, the calf pad 602 includes a connectingmember 612, shown as a strap, with a first portion of a buckle clip 614,as shown in FIG. 13. As such, similar to the connecting member 128 andthe first portion of the buckle clip 130 discussed above with referenceto FIGS. 1-5, the connecting member 612 may be attached to a secondcoupling strap via the first portion of the buckle clip 614 engagingwith a second portion of a buckle clip. In this way, the support 600 canbe buckled to a second support, and two calf supports 600 can thereby betemporarily coupled together. FIG. 13 illustrates a top perspective viewof two supports 600 buckled together in this manner. FIG. 14 illustratesa bottom perspective view of two supports 600 buckled together in thismanner, and as shown, in some embodiments, the connecting member 612 isconfigured to wrap around the bottom surface 602 b of the calf pad 602.In such embodiments, the portions of the buckle clip 614 for the twosupports 600 buckle underneath or between the supports 600 to couple thesupports 600 together.

In some embodiments, at least one of the combinations of connectingmember 612 and first portion of the buckle clip 614 is configured suchthat the connecting member 612 is adjustable. However, in otherembodiments, neither connecting member 612 is adjustable. For example,the support 600 may be sized to be large enough (e.g., about 30 cm or11.5 inches wide) such that two supports 600 coupled togetherside-by-side take up nearly the entire width of an operating room tableor hospital bed and thus, no adjustability is needed. In variousembodiments, the connecting members 612 may also be releasable (e.g., byunlocking the buckle clips 614). Further, in some embodiments, twosupports 600 may be secured together through releasable couplingmechanisms other than the buckle clips 614, such as ties, hook-and-loopfasteners, snap buttons, zippers, carabiners, and the like. Furthermore,two supports 600 may be provided in a connected arrangement, sharing aconnecting member between the two. In such embodiments, the connectingmember may be made of a material that is able to be torn, cut, orotherwise released to separate the two supports 600. For example, theconnecting member may be a piece of flashspun high-density polyethylenefibers (such as Tyvek) that can be cut or torn by the healthcareprofessional after use and when the supports 600 are to be uncoupled. Insome such embodiments, the connecting member may have a perforatedportion to assist with the release of the connecting member.

In various embodiments, similar to the foot and calf support 100, twosupports 600 may be provided as a kit, for example, with a first support600 and a second support 600 that differ only in the portion of thebuckle clip provided on the connecting member 612. As an example, thecalf supports 600 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 may be provided in a kit.Additionally, the calf supports 600 may be used in conjunction with oneor more knee support pillows, as discussed above with respect to FIG. 6,and may further be provided in a kit with one or more knee supportpillows. For example, according to one embodiment, the calf supports 600may be provided in a kit with a knee support pillow 700, as shown inFIG. 15. As shown in FIG. 15, the knee support pillow 700 is as wide orwider that the combined widths of the two calf supports 600.Accordingly, in some arrangements, the two calf supports when arrangedside-by-side are as wide as an operating room table or hospital bed, andthe knee support pillow 700 is equal to the width or slightly longerthan the width of the table or bed. Additionally, the calf supports 600and the knee support pillow 700 may be configured such that the lengthsand heights of the calf supports 600 and the knee support pillow 700 canbe used with patients of a variety of heights. As an illustration, for ashorter patient, the calf supports 600 and the knee support pillow 700may be configured such that the knee support pillow 700 may be pushedagainst the proximal ends 602 c of the supports 600 and still supportthe knees of the patient and elevate the patient's heels above the tableor bed. However, for a taller patient, the calf supports 600 and kneesupport pillow 700 may be separated to support the knees of the patientand elevate the patient's heels above the table or bed.

In various embodiments, the pad 602 may be constructed of similarmaterials as discussed with respect to the top pad 102, calf pad 104,and foot pad 106. For example, the top surface 602 a of the calf pad 602may include a center portion (e.g., shown in FIGS. 11 and 13 as thecenter portion 605 of the top surface 602 a of the calf pad 602) made ofa low-friction, slightly deformable material such as spandex. The restof the top surface 602 a of the calf pad 602 may be made of a rip-stopmaterial (e.g. a nylon material that is woven so that a tear will notspread), while the bottom surface 602 b of the calf pad 602 may be madeof a high-friction grip material to prevent the calf pad 602 fromsliding. As another example, the rest of the top surface 602 a and/orthe bottom surface 602 b of the calf pad 602 may be made of a non-wovenmaterial to highlight the disposability of the calf pad 602 (e.g., toencourage a single use, rather than multiple uses, of the support 600).

Any of the elements described above with respect to cushioned supportdevices 100, 500, and 600, and kits made thereof, may be sterilizedduring or after production, and prior to being distributed to healthcare facilities. Sterilization of the devices may be performed using anysterilization means, such as the use of gamma radiation, electron-beamradiation, X-ray radiation, Ethylene oxide (EtO), steam, such as throughthe use of an autoclave, or any combination thereof.

Though the foregoing cushioned support devices 100, 500, and 600 areintended for single use and then disposal, any of the devices 100, 500,and 600, and elements thereof may be refurbished for reuse.Refurbishment of the device may include steps such as inspecting thedevice, removing foreign particles, stains, or odors by washing one ormore surfaces of the device, repairing tears or damage to the device,refilling the cushioned portions with additional filler material orreplacing the foam, repairing or supplementing the stitching, such as atthe seams, replacing any elements or components, replacing missing itemsfrom a kit of cushioned support devices, etc. Refurbishing may includedecontaminating any of the devices such as by sterilization means, suchas the use of gamma radiation, electron-beam radiation, X-ray radiation,Ethylene oxide (EtO), steam, such as through the use of an autoclave, orany combination thereof. And, refurbishing may include repackaging anyof the devices and elements thereof

The foregoing description of embodiments has been presented for purposesof illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive orto limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Modifications andvariations are possible in light of the above teachings or may beacquired from this disclosure. The embodiments were chosen and describedin order to explain the principles of the disclosure and its practicalapplication to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the variousembodiments and with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated. Although only a few embodiments have beendescribed in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible(e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes andproportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mountingarrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) withoutmaterially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of thesubject matter recited in the claims. For example, elements shown asintegrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, theposition of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the natureor number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied.The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied orre-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions,modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design,operating conditions, and arrangement of the embodiments withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure.

It is understood that the disclosure may be embodied in other specificforms without departing from the spirit or central characteristicsthereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to beconsidered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and theinvention is not to be limited to the details given herein. The terms“first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “proximal,”“distal,” etc., as used herein, are intended for illustrative purposesonly and do not limit the embodiments in any way. It should be notedthat the orientation of various elements may differ according to otherpreferred embodiments and that such variations are intended to beencompassed by the present disclosure. Accordingly, while specificembodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modificationscome to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of thedisclosure.

For the purpose of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joiningof two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining maybe stationary or moveable in nature. Such joining may be achieved withthe two members or the two members and any additional intermediatemembers being integrally formed as a single unitary body with oneanother, or with the two members or the two members and any additionalintermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may bepermanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cushioned support device, comprising: a pad forsupporting a portion of a patient's leg; a securing system coupled tothe pad and configured to secure the portion of the patient's leg to thepad; and a connecting member coupled to the pad and configured to couplethe cushioned support device to a second cushioned support device. 2.The cushioned support device of claim 1, further comprising anattachment mechanism coupled to the pad and configured to couple thecushioned support device to an object to maintain the cushioned supportdevice on a supporting surface.
 3. The cushioned support device of claim2, wherein the attachment mechanism is configured to removably couplethe cushioned support device to the object.
 4. The cushioned supportdevice of claim 2, wherein the object is a rail associated with anoperating room table.
 5. The cushioned support device of claim 1,wherein the pad comprises two pontoons and a top pillow positioned overa top surface of the pontoons.
 6. The cushioned support device of claim1, wherein the securing system comprises a leg wrap having a first flapconfigured to removably attach to a second flap.
 7. The cushionedsupport device of claim 1, wherein the connecting member is configuredto releasably couple the cushioned support device to the secondcushioned support device.
 8. The cushioned support device of claim 7wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a first portion of a buckleclip configured to removably couple with a second portion of the buckleclip on the second cushioned support device.
 9. The cushioned supportdevice of claim 1, wherein at least one surface of the pad includes anon-woven material.
 10. A kit for supporting a portion of patientanatomy, comprising: a first cushioned support device; and a secondcushioned support device; wherein each cushioned support devicecomprises: a pad for supporting a portion of a patient's leg; a securingsystem coupled to the pad and configured to secure the portion of thepatient's leg to the pad; and a connecting member coupled to the pad andconfigured to couple the cushioned support device to a second cushionedsupport device.
 11. The kit of claim 10, further comprising a kneesupport pillow.
 12. The kit of claim 10, wherein at least one of thecushioned support devices further comprises an attachment mechanismcoupled to the pad and configured to couple the cushioned support deviceto an object to maintain the cushioned support device on a supportingsurface.
 13. The kit of claim 12, wherein the attachment mechanism isconfigured to removably couple the cushioned support device to theobject.
 14. The kit of claim 10, wherein at least one of the padscomprises two pontoons and a top pillow positioned over a top surface ofthe pontoons.
 15. The kit of claim 10, wherein the securing systemcomprises a first flap configured to removably attach to a second flap.16. The kit of claim 10, wherein the connecting member of each cushionedsupport device is configured to removably couple the cushioned supportdevice to the other cushioned support device.
 17. A method ofrefurbishing a cushioned support device, comprising: providing acushioned support device for refurbishment, the cushioned support devicecomprising: a pad for supporting a portion of a patient's leg; asecuring system coupled to the pad and configured to secure the portionof the patient's leg to the pad; and a connecting member coupled to thepad and configured to couple the cushioned support device to a secondcushioned support device; inspecting the cushioned support device; andpreparing the cushioned support device for re-use.
 18. The method ofclaim 17, further comprising repairing damage sustained by the cushionedsupport device.
 19. The method of claim 17, further comprising fillingthe pad with a filling material.
 20. The method of claim 17, furthercomprising cleaning the cushioned support device.